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City Commission to hear first reading of proposed sale of portion of Lions Park

During the Dec. 5 City Commission meeting, a proposed zone change and sale of parkland will get a first reading. Commissioners will likely set the public hearing on the zoning and sale for Jan. 16, 2018.

A 12 foot by 132 foot portion of Lions Park on 10th Avenue South is being considered for sale to PBA Properties, LLC so that an elevator can be installed in the neighboring State Farm Insurance office to provide ADA compliant access to the second floor.

The property was appraised at $9,000 and is not subject to competitive bidding under city code since there isn’t any potential for more than one bidder on the property, according to staff.

Any sale of park land requires a 4/5 vote of the City Commission.

During their Sept. 11 meeting, the Park and Recreation Advisory Board voted to recommend that the commission approve the sale.

The property contains no structures, but does have five mature pine trees. The existing trees at the western edge will remain within the park boundary and will be required to be protected from damage during the construction of the elevator and in perpetuity, according to the staff report. PBA Properties will be required to provide an easement to the city for care and maintenance of the trees.

The zone change is requested from Parks and Open Space to C-2 General Commercial and an amended plat will be filed with the Cascade County Clerk and Recorder’s Office.

If the sale is approved, the proceeds go to the city’s Park Trust Fund for future park needs. The elevator construction will also likely raise the property taxes on the building slightly. The property owner will pay $9,000 for the property and the closing costs.

The Planning Advisory Board/Zoning Commission reviewed the proposal and written notice of the public hearing was mailed to the chair of Neighborhood Council 9. Staff indicated they have received no comments or questions regarding the project so far.